I

I built a minimal file organizer CLI and underestimated filesystem case

Hacker News

I built a minimal file organizer CLI and underestimated filesystem case

I built a small CLI tool that organizes files in the current directory based on their extensions. The idea came from staring at my messy “Downloads” folder and thinking: what if I could fix this with a single command? The tool is intentionally minimal and opinionated: - It groups files into predefined categories (Images, Documents, Archives, Code, etc.) - It never deletes or overwrites anything - It stops execution if a filename collision is detected - It only operates inside the current working directory - It works out of the box, but also includes optional flags like --only, --exclude, and --preview One interesting lesson was around hidden/system files. In early versions, any unrecognized extension was moved into an “Others” folder. That worked — until I enabled hidden files and realized system files were being moved too. That forced me to rethink what “safe by default” really means. Now the tool only moves explicitly whitelisted extensions. Another issue I underestimated was filename collisions. Currently, if a file already exists in the target folder, execution stops and shows an error. I’m now thinking about: - Whether to implement safer/atomic move strategies - How to handle large numbers of files more robustly - Whether user-defined extension mappings are worth the added complexity It’s built with plain Node.js (no TypeScript), using minimal dependencies (Chalk and Ora). I’d really appreciate feedback, especially around: - Filesystem edge cases I might not be considering - Safer move strategies - The trade-off between minimalism and flexibility in CLI tools Repo: https://github.com/ChristianRincon/auto-organize

Visit product View on Hacker NewsFeb 26, 2026

Actual performance

1points

Did not reach leaderboard

Launch Intel predictions

Analyze your own launch →

Indie HackersFits the IH revenue-focused audience · Missing: supports, reddit linkedin, podcasting

76%76% predicted probability of success on Indie Hackers, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

best fitHighest predicted score across all platforms for this description.

Product HuntOn track for Day 1 leaderboard · Strong signals: user, single, using · Missing: mac, agents, macos

67%67% predicted probability of success on Product Hunt, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

AppSumoMay struggle as an AppSumo deal · Missing: plus, platform, intuitive

42%42% predicted probability of success on AppSumo, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Hacker NewsMay not resonate with HN audience · Strong signals: exist, filesystem, ide · Missing: https docs, excited, just released

35%35% predicted probability of success on Hacker News, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

nativeThis product was originally launched on this platform.

TrustMRRLess likely to generate early MRR · Missing: mobile apps, ios, personal

32%32% predicted probability of success on TrustMRR, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Acquire.comPre-revenue stage for this audience · Missing: arr, mrr, revenue

13%13% predicted probability of success on Acquire.com, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

BetaListMay not resonate with beta-testers · Missing: web3, chat, crypto

0%0% predicted probability of success on BetaList, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Correct prediction on native model

Similar products

Clasyn45%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

AI file organizer

Indie Hackers1ai

SMART FILE ORGANIZER PRO38%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

file organizer

Indie Hackers1ai

Powerful File Organizer51%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Powerful File Organizer

Filenest – Desktop File Organizer41%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Filenest – Desktop File Organizer

mpvc-tui – A minimal mpc-like CLI and TUI for controlling mpv62%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

mpvc-tui – A minimal mpc-like CLI and TUI for controlling mpv

Mpvc-TUI – A minimal mpc-like CLI and TUI for controlling mpv (repost)60%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Mpvc-TUI – A minimal mpc-like CLI and TUI for controlling mpv (repost)

Ledtop – htop, but for your motherboard or case LEDs27%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Ledtop – htop, but for your motherboard or case LEDs

Hostbooks ltd case11%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Hostbooks ltd case

Indie Hackerscommitment-full-time

Kowa35%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Wishlists organizer

Indie Hackers1$3/mofinance

OnoSchool15%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Homeschool organizer and gradebook

Indie Hackers3education

Browse all products Analyze your launch